The F1 Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial, N.J., on Thursday named CHRIS POOK Special Assistant to Exec Chair LEO HINDERY JR. Pook founded and managed the former F1 USA Grand Prix West race in Long Beach, served as CART CEO and was a member of the Dover Motorsports BOD (GP of America). Pook said, "When you've been around as long as I have been and done as many venues as I have, you can walk into a place and know right away if it's doable or not. It's an instinct. And the first time I was shown that course, I said, 'Holy crap' -- it has some challenges, yes, but it's still unbelievable." Speed F1 analyst BOB VARSHA said that Pook's hiring is a "major credibility boost for the race" (Bergen RECORD, 5/10). In Newark, Tomás Dinges wrote Pook's appointment "drew a vote of confidence from" F1 CEO BERNIE ECCLESTONE. F1 officials this week also confirmed the departure of F1 Grand Prix of America CMO TRIP WHEELER and CFO MICHAEL CUMMINGS (NJ.com, 5/9).